Bent Light on northwall in the “Church of Light by Le Corbusier32
In order to create a monumental space one must design with light. Like Le Corbusier, Kahn and Breuer the use of natural light should not take away from the space but add to it. Articifial light, although static can improve a space in the same ways natural light can but it can not touch an individual in the ways natural light can, but it can aslo be bad, indifferent and good. Color also adds quality affecting moods and levels of depth that each color is perceived differently by the eye. Shadows compliment the light of a monumental space, showing what a space would be without light so when light is viewed next to shadow it’s refreshing. Light and shadows ability to pull out emoitions deep within us is powerful and helps complete the space. Monumental spaces and even counter monumental spaces like Perrault’s Biblitheque use its context and the most important of all, the sun to help the design acheive itself. Meaning, light not only gives us the ability to see the monumental object or space but the depth perception to be able to feel it, touch it, experience it and connect to it. Without light a monumental space would not exist.
“light is the key to well-being”27 — Le Corbusier
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